‘It’s the very principle of it’: Limerick mayoral candidate John Moran sparks controversy using photo of bishop in campaign advert

Former Department of Finance secretary general John Moran sparked concern among the local Catholic church organisation after a picture of Bishop Brendan Leahy appeared in his election material.

Mr Moran paid for a full-page advertisement in local newspaper the Limerick Post featuring a photograph of himself and the Bishop of Limerick along with the caption: “Some blessings ahead of the next four weeks.”

However, it has now emerged the former chair of the Land Development Agency (LDA) did not seek the approval of Bishop Leahy to include his image in the sponsored advertisement which featured a series of photographs of Mr Moran with local people.

The photograph has led to some consternation within the Limerick Catholic church with confidants of the bishop insisting it was inappropriate for his image to be used in election material for any candidate.

“It’s the very principle of it – you can’t have the bishop being seen to be associated with one candidate which could give the impression to his followers that this is who they should be voting for in the Limerick mayor election,” a church source said.

It is understood the bishop has been contacted by his local congregation about appearing in the election advertisement with Mr Moran.

A representative for the bishop has also contacted the Limerick Post asking that his image not be included in any further political advertisements.

The photograph was taken by Mr Moran’s team after a mass in Limerick and the bishop is among a number of local people who have appeared in the advertisements which mimic the newspaper’s “In the picture” section.

A spokesperson for Bishop Leahy said: “Bishop Leahy had a number of photos taken by and with members of the public following a commemorative mass to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Athlunkard Street in Limerick on April 28.

“However, he did not give approval for any photo to be used in promotional election material by any candidate from this or any other event during the election campaign.”

In response, Mr Moran said: “This is news to me – I haven’t been contacted by anyone from the bishop’s office to express any dissatisfaction with the advertisement.”

Mr Moran’s team said they are using sponsored content in local newspapers because he does not believe the local or national media are giving proper coverage of the historic mayoral election.

The former civil servant is in the running for the coveted elected position but will have to see off contenders from Sinn Féin’s Maurice Quinlivan, Fine Gael’s Daniel Butler and Fianna Fáil’s Dee Ryan.

The race is expected to be decided on transfers with none of the perceived leading candidates thought to have a quota.

The Limerick mayor role comes with an annual salary of more than €150,000 and the candidate selected for the position will be responsible for a €1bn budget. The winner will serve a five-year term.